Children's Day Price Gouging Sparks Outrage in Kazakhstan

On International Children's Day, June 1, 2025, parents in Kazakhstan faced unexpectedly high prices for children's goods at local markets. Anas Bakkozhaev, a member of parliament, highlighted this issue after visiting a park where vendors were significantly overcharging for items. "Yesterday was not a holiday, but a real test for parents," Bakkozhaev stated, pointing to soap bubbles sold for 3000 tenge, three times their wholesale cost. This incident underscores the need for better regulation of street vendors and consumer protection, particularly during holidays. The incident sparked a debate about consumer rights and fair pricing practices in Kazakhstan. Authorities are considering measures to address price gouging and ensure a more equitable market for parents.